Happy Friday!

Here are today’s stories of progress in the fight against the climate crisis and nature loss.

🪵 Storing carbon underground

Storing waste from the logging industry underground could remove 12 billion tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year, according to a new study. The carbon trees absorb is released back into the atmosphere when they decay, but burying them below ground would halt this process. In a low-tech alternative to the expensive carbon removal processes being attempted by numerous startups, this could result in a  reduction in global temperatures of 0.35–0.42 °C. 

🇪🇸 Spain’s new marine protected areas

Six marine protected areas have been declared in Spain, meaning that across 17,000 km² of habitat, human activity will be regulated to keep marine life safe. These biodiverse hotspots are home to many creatures and ecosystems like coral reefs and underwater forests, while one of the protected areas was specifically created to help conserve seabirds. Spain’s goal is to protect 25% of its marine environment by the end of this year, with this move bringing the total to 22.45%. 

🦴 A bridge based on bone

Researchers have developed a prototype of a 3D-printed concrete bridge that mimics the porous construction of bone, with the result that it uses 60% less concrete. Since the cement contained in concrete is made in a highly emission-heavy process, this bridge forms a far more sustainable alternative by taking inspiration from nature. The researchers will soon build their first real-world example of this design in France.

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📝 The Green Light is written by freelance writer Molly Millar.